January 25, 2020
Dear Lafayette County Supervisors and Board of Aldermen,
I have been standing on the steps to the right of Oxford City Hall since the first week of June. We have kept it small out of caution and safety with the virus. We stand in the sun and rain. I know you see us, but are you listening? Are you listening to the men with confused history, or are you listening to the people who have been oppressed by a version of history and symbolism that only glorifies White voices? Are you listening to the White men with money telling you how Black people feel, or are you listening to Black people?
The Confederate monument on the Square brings out division and hatred. The statue brings people from out of town to defend a dying cause. From my observation on the stairs, most people here support relocating the statue. They bring us water, food, honk, show up to say thank you. We do get flipped off, told to get jobs, asked if we are Antifa, and one lady drove up to say, “I hope the sun scorches you all to death.” Those people are outnumbered by the support. We also have backbones and realize that demanding change that will lead to unity may come at a cost.
I am asking you to join us. You have the power to change the symbolism that towers over people on our Square. If our state legislature says it is no longer ok for a Confederate symbol to fly above the people, then surely it is time to remove a statue with a confederate soldier towering, the battle flag on the front, and an etching saying slavery was “a just and holy cause.” Please vote yes to relocate the statue. I know your job is hard, but please put the people and our future before the past and money. I sat in the public forum. Only one side was calm, historically accurate, and diverse. Please use your power for good.
May God Bless You & Give You Courage.
Sincerely,
Jonathan Adams, visual artist and University of Mississippi graduate
This letter was originally handwritten and mailed to the Board of Supervisors in the summer of 2020